SWIDE.com

GQ understamds a man's needs. Stripping it down to the essential: no fancy set, no incredible visual effects, no nonsense. Just a real man (with beard and all) in real cool yet classic glasses.

We heard the news about Nerd - the group fronted by Pharrell Williams and Rhea its sexy new member at the beginning of the year - but just in time for the new year - Rhea (our new style crush) pops up on the scene twittering and singing on youtube and our 2010 play list is officially complete.

Take what probably is the least eco-friendly of vehicles, tear it apart and use it to save the planet! Enter the new generation rider, a knight in green armour pedalling into environmental bliss.

Lily Allen singing at Chanel's spring womenswear show, Ryan Bingham the soundtrack to Dolce & Gabbana's spring menswear show - Taylor Swift making all the 2009 headlines and Jack White hanging out in Nashville - get our drift cowboys and cowgirls?

For all the talk of recession and penny-pinching we've still enjoyed our food like there was no tomorrow this year.

If your usual Christmas involves DVDs and office parties then it's time to think outside the Christmas box. Our Swide stylist has broken all the rules to bring you our unique selection of gift ideas. We promise no sequins were harmed in this process.

Dramatic black can become cute to boot on the little ones this Christmas with the right dose of fantasy courtesy of some (party) balloon sleeves. Now we're furiously hoping we might fit into the bigger sizes!

Ending the year on a recession chic note - five robotic hamsters that retail for about $10 are causing this Christmas’ buying frenzy. Meanwhile a French hotel is offering guests the chance to live like a hamster for a day. Indeed. And the Christmas parties haven't even started yet.

A glitter-ball may be nice this Yuletide but remember it's not for life. If seemingly tasteless presents seem appealing right now - click (immediately) on our, what we like to term classy list of Christmas presents for some gift inspiration of the educated kind.

A shot of suggestions and products: dedicated sections for design, travel, home and technology all with a playful and luxury feel.

The ultimate art of self-expression: one collection, five eternal personalities With characteristic audacity, D&G unveils a wardrobe of five, mesmerising fragrances that answer the fundamental human question: Who am I? Who do I want to be? At times, our characters are mysteries even to ourselves. The label of metropo...litan glamour, D&G recognises that - for the worlds most discerning men and women - the sense of self may exist in a beguiling state of flux. http://www.dandgfragrances.com

Although you maybe be planning to leave the house in search of red and green - turn Christmas shopping on it's head by opting for online shopping from your armchair and a new Christmas colour palette.